Director, Education Innovation & Development

Position Summary

The Director of Educational Innovation & Development will advance Midwestern Universitys educational excellence by expanding and modernizing its simulation centers integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum and leading strategic initiatives under the direction of the CFO.

This position will develop scalable models that strengthen academic innovation generate new revenue streams and position Midwestern as a national leader in simulation-based and AI-driven education. Working across academic and administrative divisions the Director will help shape the next generation of educational technology and infrastructure at the University.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Innovation

• Define and execute a multi-year strategy to elevate simulation and educational technology across all programs
• Align innovation initiatives with institutional priorities financial sustainability and Midwesterns mission
• Serve as a university-wide liaison for simulation excellence digital transformation and AI integration.

Simulation Center Enhancement

• Expand and modernize simulation centers through advanced technologies such as AI-driven simulation VR/AR and digital analytics.
• Develop sustainable revenue-generating models including external training partnerships certification programs and shared-use agreements.
• Ensure simulation investments deliver measurable educational and financial value.

AI Integration Across Curriculum

• Partner with faculty and academic leadership to embed AI tools and digital literacy into coursework and assessments.
• Implement AI-driven learning systems such as adaptive feedback analytics dashboards and virtual patient platforms.
• Establish policies and training to ensure responsible and effective use of AI in teaching and learning.

Strategic Projects and CFO Support

• Lead cross-functional projects supporting the CFOs strategic and financial initiatives.
• Provide data-driven insights and models for optimizing educational investments and monetizing university assets.
• Support financial planning reporting and ROI analysis for innovation-related projects.

Partnerships and National Engagement

• Build partnerships with healthcare systems industry and technology providers to expand simulation capacity and innovation opportunities.
• Represent Midwestern nationally as a leader in simulation and AI-driven education.

Outcomes and Continuous Improvement

• Track key performance indicators for innovation impact simulation utilization and financial performance.
• Report regularly to senior leadership on outcomes and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Masters degree in a relevant field.
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education leadership health systems partnerships academic operations or related fields.
• Practical hands-on experience in simulation education and simulation-based curriculum.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with dashboards outcomes assessment and program evaluation.
• Excellent written verbal and executive presence; proven ability to present to senior leaders and partner organizations.

Preferred

• Terminal degree (e.g. EdD PhD DO DNP) in a relevant field.
• Track record of developing revenue models from educational assets.
• Understanding of accreditation standards relevant to health professions education.
• Prior experience at academic health institutions or universities.
• Proven success working in both academic and private-sector environments.
• National reputation in simulation demonstrated through publications invited presentations leadership in professional organizations or multi-institutional collaborations.

Core competencies leadership in a health-care education environment

• Academic leadership & stewardship: Proven ability to lead within a university setting navigate faculty governance and build constructive partnerships with deans program directors and staff.
• Simulation operations & pedagogy: Operational and pedagogical fluency with simulation center management scenario design assessment strategies and simulation-based faculty development.
• Strategic partnership building: Skill in cultivating and sustaining cross-sector partnerships with health systems community providers and industry
• Change leadership & culture building: Track record of implementing large-scale change with transparent governance faculty engagement and attention to organizational culture.
• Outcomes-focused assessment: Competence in designing assessment frameworks that link educational interventions to learner outcomes placement quality and program-level goals.
• Data-informed decision making: Ability to translate operational and educational data into actionable insights for program planning and institutional strategy.
• Financial and commercial acumen: Experience translating educational assets into sustainable mission-aligned revenue streams while protecting academic priorities.
• Communication & influence: Excellent stakeholder communication skills able to present to executive leadership convene cross-functional groups and represent the university externally.

Midwestern University is a private not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses one in Downers Grove Illinois and the other in Glendale Arizona. More than 6000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine dentistry pharmacy physician assistant studies physical therapy occupational therapy nurse anesthesia cardiovascular perfusion podiatry optometry clinical psychology speech language pathology biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning respect for all members of the health care team service interdisciplinary scholarly activity and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical dental and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance short/long term disability and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account. We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holidays sick/flex days personal days and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan tuition reimbursement child care subsidy reimbursement program identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past current or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class in accord withall federal state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Required Experience:

Director